How far is White Sands, NM from Roswell, NM?
The driving distance from White Sands, NM to Roswell, NM is about 166 miles (267.1 km), with a travel time of about 02h 53m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 133.3 miles (214.5 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 46m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM MDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination.
Flight Distance
Driving Distance
Gas Cost Calculator
Leave and Arrive Planner
Pick a departure time to see your estimated arrival and same-day return window.
Drive time stays fixed at 02h 53m.
A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.
You are leaving earlier than the recommended window, which gives you extra margin for breaks and traffic.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
Unincorporated community in Otero County, New Mexico, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Partly Sunny then Chance Rain Showers
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between White Sands and Roswell.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between White Sands and Roswell.
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1
Start on Headquarters Avenue
1911 ft · 47 sec · Headquarters Avenue
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2
Continue on Owen Road
3.6 mi · 6 min · Owen Road
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3
Take the ramp straight toward US 70: US 70 East, Alamogordo
1206 ft · 33 sec
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4
Merge slight left onto Bataan Memorial Highway
2945 ft · 39 sec · Bataan Memorial Highway
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5
Continue on US Highway 70 West
42.3 mi · 46 min · US Highway 70 West
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6
Continue on South White Sands Boulevard
691 ft · 19 sec · South White Sands Boulevard
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7
Take the exit slight right toward US 54 North, US 70 East: Relief Route, Tularosa
760 ft · 35 sec
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8
Merge left onto Charlie Lee Memorial Relief Route
5 mi · 8 min · Charlie Lee Memorial Relief Route
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9
Turn left onto US 54,70
8.7 mi · 11 min · US 54,70
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10
Turn right onto South Bookout Road
1325 ft · 27 sec · South Bookout Road
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11
Keep slight left to continue on South Bookout Road
1.3 km · 1 min · South Bookout Road
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12
Turn right onto Old Mescalero Road
1.4 mi · 2 min · Old Mescalero Road
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13
Turn right onto Central Avenue
102 mi · 2 hr 12 min · Central Avenue
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14
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · West 2nd Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between White Sands and Roswell.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
Central Avenue
Turn right onto Central Avenue
102 mi · 02h 12m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A comfortable day-trip route
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
Partly Sunny then Chance Rain Showers leaving White Sands and Mostly Sunny near Roswell.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from White Sands to Roswell?
The road trip is about 166 miles (267.1 km) and usually takes 02h 53m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Mescalero is a useful midpoint, sitting about 82.7 miles from White Sands and 83.3 miles from Roswell.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 133.3 miles (214.5 km), while the road route adds roughly 32.7 extra miles because roads do not follow the straight air line.
When is the best time to leave for this route?
A good departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM MDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 12:44 PM MDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $22.19 one way or $44.38 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 52.1 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Partly Sunny then Chance Rain Showers around White Sands and Mostly Sunny near Roswell.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between White Sands and Roswell. Straight-line distance: 133.27 mi (214.48 km).
#1 White Sands
Census-designated place in New Mexico, United States
| Population | 1,651 |
| Coordinates | 32.3809300, -106.4794400 |
| Altitude | 1292 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Roswell
A city in Chaves County, New Mexico.
| Population | 47,596 |
| Coordinates | 33.3943700, -104.5249100 |
| Altitude | 1090 |
| Country | United States |
End: US 70 (-104.524909, 33.39425)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 267 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 31m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 08m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 19m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 45m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 22m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 04m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.79 | $22.19 | $44.38 |
| Mid-grade | $4.26 | $24.96 | $49.92 |
| Premium | $4.63 | $27.10 | $54.21 |
| Diesel | $5.42 | $31.73 | $63.46 |
Assumes 8.3 L/100 km (about 28.3 MPG). CO2 is an estimate and varies by vehicle, fuel blend, traffic, and terrain.
Prices in New Mexico · Apr 19, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.